Dear Readers,
Ever notice how time passes by so quickly? Seasons turn ever so swiftly; days meld into weeks; weeks merge into months. But every so often, something happens that makes us stop, think and re-evaluate. Are we heading in the right direction? Are we accomplishing the goals that we set out for ourselves? What positive change can and should we introduce into our lives?
This week, we greet the new month of Elul. This is the month immediately prior to the New Year, which connects the past year with the coming year, and demands stocktaking and introspection. It is also the month that has the acronym, Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li—“I am to My beloved and My beloved is to me.” We approach G‑d with a desire to return and connect, and G‑d reciprocates with Divine expressions of mercy and forgiveness.
G‑d is closest to us; He beckons us and asks us to come close to Him. He asks us to make Him a real and active part in our lives.
There is no better time than now to introduce positive change into our lives—to reflect on all our negative addictions, all those unhealthy choices that we automatically and so easily steer to mindlessly. Now is the time to take a closer look at our schedules and evaluate how we can saturate our days with more positive, nurturing spirituality.
Change can be daunting. But real change begins not with major upheaval, but with incremental acts. Just a small change of direction can lead to a whole new world of opportunity.
Change is always possible. But this month, we have the added advantage of G‑d reaching out to us and extending a hand to help.
Let’s grab it.
Chana Weisberg,
Editor, TJW
